Confirmed: Imps sign Jason Shackell

The Imps have secured the services of 34-year old Jason Shackell following his release by Derby County earlier this summer.

Shackell played seven times on loan at Millwall in the Championship last season, but that is just the tip of his extensive experience in the upper reaches of the Football League. In fact, in all of his 19 seasons in the game, Jason Shackell has never dropped out of the top two divisions.

He’s played Premier League football twice, making 38 appearances for Burnley in 2014/15 and 11 for Norwich a decade before.

The bulk of his career has been spent with Norwich, Wolves, Burnley and Derby, although his last full season of football came when he appeared 46 times for the Rams in 2015/16. Since then he’s struggled to get regular football at that level, although he has made 484 senior appearances in his extensive, career.

At least two of his moves, from Norwich to Wolves and from Derby to Burnley, were for fees thought to be around £1m.

Shackell is an ‘old-school’ defender, with strong leadership qualities and has captained Norwich City, Derby County, Barnsley, and Burnley during his career. He’s also a two-time Championship winner, lifting the title with Norwich in 2004 and Wolves in 209. He also earned a runner’s up medal in 2014 with Burnley.

Shackell joins on a one-year deal and is likely to play a significant role over the coming weeks as the Imps adjust to life without Luke Waterfall.

“There’s a lot of younger players in the squad and some really good experience here, but hopefully I can add to that and help pass on anything knowledge wise, or in tactics,” Shackell said.

“That’s something I look to do. I like to help others where possible and help develop the squad that is already here.”

“I think this is the right move for me. I’ve always played Championship or higher, but this club has been quite successful in the last few years,” he added. It’s on the up and the management team and the staff all seem great when I spoke to them. I received a lot of positives and I’m thrilled to be joining.”

Shackell will wear the number five shirt at Sincil Bank, and is available for Saturday’s Sincil Bank opener against Swindon Town